The outgoing US envoy also discouraged formation of any political party under any kind of "pressure".

"I don't want to see anybody coerced or forced to join a new party, and certainly we do not want to see military involvement in politics...I have made this point before that military should not take any sort of political role," the envoy made the remarks during an interview with UNB at US embassy yesterday

Butenis, who leaves Dhaka shortly for her next assignment in Iraq, said people may be interested in forming third, fourth or fifth political party. Prof Yunus had also tried to float a party and still may be group of people up there to bring together a new party, which is fine.

"But certainly it should not be under any kind of pressure."

Replying to a question, Butenis said she takes the army chief at his word as he said publicly and in meetings that he has no political ambitions.

"Again, we've been pretty straight forward saying that any military personnel can retire or resign and decide to take politics, that's their business, but direct role of military in politics will be a mistake, I think."

Butenis supported the reforms in political parties through discussions among themselves but said any attempt or plan to "impose" changes on parties from above is going to have troubles.

Favouring the lifting of ban on politics, the envoy said there are some concerns that people might take to street and resort to violence again, and nobody wants that. But "I think there should be an opportunity for discussions" on reform proposals from different parties as well as from the Election Commission.

Butenis would not comment on a "minus-two" formula of reform. She said that is not her job to make comment on a particular proposal.

"But everybody agrees that parties have to change, perhaps part of that change may be in their senior leaders; but they can't do that, or whatever transition they decide, without being able to discuss it," she observed.

Asked if she thought election before the end of 2008 should be too late, the envoy said it is up to the Bangladeshis. However, "what we think is longer you remain with an un-elected government, the greater the risk is to tear democratic tradition."

"Yes, certainly we welcome election sooner than December 2008, but I think that will continue to be certainly our position now," she said, adding, "We're encouraged by the steps the government is taking to put reforms in place."

Asked about the risks she is apprehending, Butenis said, "It is not only in Bangladesh but in any situation that if you have the authority in power without accountability, then risk is perhaps to abuse the authority or make it more difficult for the people to live with the authority. All kinds of risks--it is nothing unique for Bangladesh, it is a lesson of history."

On reported restrictions on Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina, Butenis said whoever facing restrictions or charged with crimes, the government should be transparent as to why.

Bangladeshis have the right to know "why people have been picked up, what are the charges against them, why they cannot travel here and there and why they cannot leave the country", she said.

About the anti-corruption drive, the US envoy praised the Anti-Corruption Commission for its current functioning and the ACC chairman's commitment to his tasks.

"It's a huge and difficult task and we are very sympathetic," she said, adding that USAID has been working with the government for a longtime on anti-money laundering legislation, training law-enforcement and other agencies.

The envoy, however, vented deep concern over several cases, including the death of a Garo leader in custody and some other cases raised by the EC delegation, which she thinks, undermined the government's commitment to justice and ensuring human rights.

She said the chief adviser assured separate investigation with a retired judge into the Garo leader's case and she raised the matter during the meeting with the foreign adviser. "We remain interested and we will continue to follow this case."